STATEHOUSE — In light of the recent news concerning the early release of two convicted sex offenders, Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) is calling for a review of the criminal sentencing process.

“The public fully expects violent and sexual offenders to serve their sentences in full,” said Rep. Eberhart. “It is inexcusable to release these prisoners for good time when they have only served a fraction of their sentence.”

Rep. Eberhart is calling for immediate review by the appropriate interim committee to take a comprehensive look at the criminal code system to close all loopholes that enable sex and violent offenders to get out of prison while serving only a limited amount of their sentence.

Christopher Wheat, a former high school swim coach convicted of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female swim student, and Daniel J. Moore, a 53-year-old former New Whiteland Baptist Church pastor convicted of child solicitation and sexual misconduct with a minor for a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female a church member, are scheduled for release Thursday.

Wheat served less than two years of his eight-year sentence, and Moore served less than two and a half years of a 10-year sentence.

Their sentences were reduced for obtaining college credits and good behavior.

"Time served in prison should be the rehabilitation process for a convicted criminal,” said Rep. Eberhart.

“It disturbs me that convicted offenders are being released having hardly served their sentence. Earning a college degree and being rewarded for good behavior in prison deprives victims of justice.”

Rep. Eberhart will be working with Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) and the Indiana Department of Corrections to better understand the issue at hand in an effort to secure our neighborhoods and communities. To voice your opinion on this issue, please contact Rep. Eberhart via e-mail at h57@in.gov or by phone at (317) 234-9499.

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